This guide will discuss popular driveway edging options that fit within a budget. Stick around until the end to learn the tips on how to maintain your driveway.
Your driveway is one of the first things visitors see when they come to your house. It's also one of the first places where dirt, debris, and weather damage can accumulate. It's crucial to protect your driveway, and one of the best ways to do that is to invest in quality edging.
Various driveway edging options are available, so choosing the right one for your needs is essential. This article will discuss the best budget driveway edging ideas to secure your investment and keep your driveway looking its best.
But before that, let's quickly go over the basics.
Article Contents
What is Driveway Edging?
Driveway edging is the process of installing a border around your driveway. This border can be made from several materials, including concrete, stone, brick, metal, or wood. Driveway edging helps to define the space and creates a neat appearance. It also prevents grass and other plants from encroaching on the driveway and makes it easier to mow the lawn.
Types of Driveway Edging
There are several types of driveway edging; however, they can be divided into two main categories:
Raised Edging
As the name implies, raised edging is installed above the driveway level. This type of edging is usually made from concrete, stone, or brick and can be used to create a variety of different looks. Raised edging is a good choice if you want to add definition to your driveway or create a more formal appearance.
Flat Edging
On the other hand, flat edging is installed at the same level as the driveway. This type of edging is usually made from stone or wood and is a good choice if you want to create a more natural look. They are preferred for simple designs and a contrast of colors. Moreover, flat edging provides a wider surface to walk alongside the parked car.
Benefits of Driveway Edging
Driveway edging helps to define the space and can prevent damage from vehicles, lawn equipment, and weather. It can also give your driveway a finished, polished look. However, the benefits are not limited to aesthetic appeal. There are several benefits to installing driveway edging, including:
Safety: Driveway edging can help prevent accidents by defining the space and preventing vehicles from running off the driveway's edge.
Maintenance: Driveway edging can potentially reduce the amount of upkeep required. Grass and other plants will not be able to grow into the driveway, and it will be easier to mow the lawn.
Aesthetics: Installing Driveway edging can help improve your home's appearance. If you have a well-defined driveway, it can make your home look more polished and better put together.
Property Value: A good-looking driveway edging can add value to your property by improving its curb appeal. The premium look of a well-defined driveway can make your home stand out from others and potentially increase its value.
Makes Parking Easy: Driveway edging also makes it easy to park your car. You will be able to see the edge of the driveway and know exactly where to stop. It can help prevent accidents and damage to your car.
Now that you know the basics let's explore the popular driveway edging ideas.
Popular Driveway Edging Ideas
There are plenty of popular driveway edging ideas to choose from. The best option for you will depend on your budget, style, and the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. Thus, the ideal driveway edging can be different as per the preference.
So let's look at the most popular driveway edging ideas:
Gravel Stone Edging
Gravel stone edging is a great way to add texture and color to your driveway. These go best with a flat driveway, distinguishing between the concrete driveway and grassy lawn. It will make your driveway neat and clean and give it a very finished look. You will get a stylish-looking barrier keeping people off the grass. Plus, it is an excellent way to protect your grass from car tires.
You just need to make a trench and fill it with gravel stones of your choice. You can use a variety of colors and sizes to create unique designs. This is one of the most popular driveway edging ideas as it is very affordable and easy to install.
Brick Edging
Brick edging is one of the most classic driveway edging ideas. It gives an exquisite look to your house. Brick edging can be made from new bricks or reclaimed bricks. It is a very durable option and can last for many years. You need to dig a trench and lay the bricks in it. They are a budget option that can give your home a luxurious look.
Moreover, brick edging is versatile and can be used to create different looks. It can be used to create a classic look, a cottage look, or even a modern look. You can lay them down in a single layer or pile up multiple layers. You can also imply different colors of bricks and create unique designs on the driveway.
Blocks and Crushed Concrete Edging
One of the most popular driveway edging ideas is to use blocks or crushed concrete. This is a very inexpensive option and can be easily installed. Blocks and crushed concrete can create a variety of different looks. They are ideal for making raised driveway edging.
Plus, you can add an additional trench to achieve a more defined look. They are available in various colors and can be stacked to create different heights. Using blocks and crushed concrete will give you a durable and stylish driveway.
Paver Asphalt Edging
This type of driveway edging is made from pavers laid on an asphalt base. Paver asphalt edging is a prevalent choice as it is very durable and can last for many years. It is also a low-maintenance option as the pavers do not need to be sealed or stained. This gives your house curb a neat and tidy look.
Paver asphalt edging is available in a variety of colors and styles. You can choose the pavers that match the style of your home. Paver style works best with flat driveway edging; however, they can also be used to create raised driveway edging.
Live Edging
Want to add colors to the driveway? Go for live edges! Live edges are a type of edging that uses live plants and flowers. This is a fantastic idea to add colors and interest to your driveway. Choose the flowers that bloom all year round and are compatible with the climatic conditions of your area.
This will work best as a flat edging creating a colorful contrast and keeping the driveway lively. You can also use live edges as accent pieces in your driveway design. Live edges are an affordable option and give you the freedom to play with the arrangements.
Pebble Moat Style Edging
Taking inspiration from the moats surrounding castles, this edging style uses pebbles to give your driveway a royal look. It's perfect for those looking to add a touch of luxury to their home. This elegant and stylish edging option is more like a fusion of rustic and contemporary styles.
A pebble moat style edging can be made by digging a trench and filling it with gravel or pebbles. Moreover, if you use two distinct materials, it will give the appearance of a layered driveway and appear wonderful. This is an excellent way to achieve a luxurious look without spending too much money.
Grass Outline Edging
Grass outline is primarily preferred because it gives a natural look to the driveway. It is created by using grass to outline the edge of the driveway. The most common grass used for this purpose is sedum or dichondra. If you have a curved driveway, this is the best option for you.
Nothing can beat that cottage vibe given by the grass outline edging. Plus, it is also very easy to install and maintain. You can do it yourself without any professional help. Grass outline works best with a flat driveway. However, if you have a raised driveway, you can use it to create an accent border.
Wood Edging
Wood edging is an excellent gravel driveway idea, and it gives a very natural look to your home. Wood edging can be made from logs, pressure-treated lumber, or landscape timbers. They are a very affordable option and can be easily installed. You need to dig a trench and lay the wood in it.
This allows using scrap wood to create exciting designs. You can also polish or paint them to achieve a more refined appearance. They will work wonderfully to outline a gravel driveway. Moreover, using them with plants and flowers will offer a natural look to your driveway.
Small Cobblestone Edging
Small cobblestones can give a very rustic look to your driveway. They are ideal for compact driveways and work well as flat edging. Small cobblestones are a bit expensive compared to bricks but are very durable. They can last for many years with little or no maintenance. Thus, in the long run, they can prove to be cost-effective.
You can use them to create a border or an accent in your driveway design. They are available in several colors and textures and can be laid down in different patterns. Small cobblestones offer a lot of scope for creativity and can be used to create unique designs.
Pebble and Flagstone Edging
Pebble and flagstone edging are primarily used in small to medium-sized front yards and lawns. They give a natural look to your house and are very easy to install, and maintaining them won't be a hassle. They can add a statement to the small yard and can also be used to highlight the features of the house curb.
The contrast of pebble and flagstone edging can result in a natural and elegant look. They can work with flat and raised edging, and you can get creative with the designs. You can use them to create a border or an accent in your driveway design. They are available in plenty of colors and textures, and you can make blocks of flagstone and fill them with pebbles of your choice.
How to Take Care of Your Driveway Edging
Once you have installed the driveway edging of your choice, you need to take care of it to ensure that it lasts for a long time. These are some useful tips that will help you do so:
- Cleaning the driveway edging regularly is essential to maintain its appearance. You need to remove weeds and other debris that might have accumulated regularly.
- It is also important to watch for any cracks or damage. If you notice any, repair them immediately to avoid further damage.
- If you have installed wooden edging, ensure that it is treated and sealed periodically to protect it from the elements.
- You should regularly check the edging for any cracks or gaps and fix them immediately. This will help to avoid any further damage.
- Another option to make your driveway last long is to seal coat it. This will protect the asphalt from weathering and make it look brand new.
- If your driveway needs plowing, do it carefully to avoid damaging it.
- If you have plants or flowers as part of your edging, water them regularly. This is especially important in summer when the heat can take a toll on them.
Overall, with a little care and attention, you can keep your driveway edging looking as good as new for many years to come.
Parting Words
There you go, Some of the best driveway edging ideas to enhance the look of your home. We hope you found this article useful and learned something new about driveway edging. We covered several topics, such as the different types of edging, how to take care of it, and more. Now you know everything to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. So get started on giving your driveway a makeover. Don't forget to take care of it afterward to ensure that it lasts long.
